Year’s help for Dementia patients

DEMENTIA patients across the Capital are to be offered a year of support under a new initiative.

The city council and NHS Lothian have joined up with Alzheimer Scotland to help those who have recently been diagnosed with the condition and their families.

Following diagnosis, they will now receive 12 months of post-diagnostic support to help them come to terms with their illness and plan for the future. New link workers will be recruited to make sure that people with dementia and their carers do not become isolated.

City health leader, councillor Ricky Henderson, said: “Dementia affects thousands of people in Edinburgh and can have a life-changing effect on the person, their family and friends. It is extremely important that people are offered the right support.”